. >> reporter: in 2000, algore held an 8 point lead over george bush before the first debate. right after his lead vanished, the two were tied at 43. this year, each side is making efforts to lower expectations. this memo obtained, is written by romney advisor, beth meyers, she talks glowingly about the president's debate record, siting where americans declared him the winner over john mccain each time. you make your opponent out to be unbeatable, regardless of what is said, you can declare a victory of sorts. >> how are the candidates getting ready for the weekend? >> reporter: there is going to be a lot of studying going this weekend, mitt romney is going back to boston, actually you might remember he has been getting ready with rob portman, playing the role of president obama and portman took on the task of playing obama in 2008, helped john mccain during that time to prepare for the debates. mitt romney is using john kerry as a stand in, rather obama is using john kerry as a stand in and kerry has practice from his run in 2004. on sunday, obama is going to nevada where he